Compare the2023 Mercedes C-Class CabrioletVS 2023 BMW 4 Series Convertible

Both the C-Class Cabriolet and the 4 Series Convertible have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 9 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the C-Class Cabriolet’s warranty.

The C-Class Cabriolet has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Convertible (17.4 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 4 Series Convertible.

For better traction and acceleration, the C-Class Cabriolet has larger standard rear tires than the 4 Series Convertible (245/40R18 vs. 225/45R18).

The C-Class Cabriolet’s standard 245/40R18 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 430i’s standard 45 series tires.

The C-Class Cabriolet offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 4 Series Convertible; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The C-Class Cabriolet’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The C-Class Cabriolet is 3.4 inches shorter than the 430i, making the C-Class Cabriolet easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the C-Class Cabriolet uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The C-Class Cabriolet has .2 inches more front legroom and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the 4 Series Convertible.

The C-Class Cabriolet’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The 4 Series Convertible’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

Standard Trailer Stabilization on the C-Class Cabriolet uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the 4 Series Convertible, the C-Class Cabriolet offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The C-Class Cabriolet’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The C-Class Cabriolet’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower all of them with the lock engaged. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 4 Series Convertible’s standard power windows.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes C-Class offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.